The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Defence:

¶ 02 (a) (i) The National Service and Reserve Forces Act, No. 40 of 1985.

¶ 03 (ii) It is an Act to provide for the appointment of an authority for the proper utilization of manpower; to provide for compulsory and voluntary enlistment to the National Armed Reserve; to establish a Manpower Reserve Task Force; to provide for the enlistment and maintenance of the National Armed Reserve, the National Cadet Corps, the National Auxiliary Force and such other auxiliary forces as may be necessary; and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

¶ 04 (iii) Number of Cadet Officers serving under the National Cadet Corps: 3,092. Number of officers released by the Ministry of Education for active service: 148. (As at 05.12.2025)

¶ 05 (iv) Number of schools conducting cadet activities: 2,256. Number of active cadet units: 4,599.

¶ 06 (v) We have planned to modernize the activities of the National Cadet Corps and have already commenced relevant measures.

¶ 07 (vi) Modernization is expected through amendments to the National Service and Reserve Forces Act, No. 40 of 1985; revising training schedules to suit the new generation; directing more cadets to the Rantembe and Mullaitivu training camps while allocating more time for academic work; revising assessment methods to reduce personal expenses borne by cadets at camps; enabling teachers of their own schools to serve as masters-in-charge of cadet platoons; resuming the National Cadet Sports Tournament — which was to be held in Jaffna last December but was postponed due to adverse weather; and integrating technology with the curriculum.

¶ 08 (b) Not applicable.